The hoodie helped.
At least, that's what Selene Mira told herself as she trudged through a field of ankle-high grass, with her hood up and earbuds humming a lo-fi playlist she'd just purchased for five shop coins.
A three-headed sheep bleated behind her. One head sounded confused. One was clearly judging her.
She flipped the sheep a look. "Not today, multi-mutton."
Ding! [Skill Acquired: Unnecessary Sass +1 Confidence]
She sighed. "You really don't have to notify me for everything, you know."
[Noted. But no promises.]
She followed a dirt path toward the village she'd fled earlier—mostly because her shopping cart balance was at zero and apparently, coins didn't grow on trees. (She checked. Thoroughly.)
Villagers bustled around, using magic like it was a casual app. One woman floated a broom in mid-air while shouting at it to sweep faster. A child summoned butterflies from thin air. A guy sneezed—and accidentally ignited a bush.
Selene stepped around the fire with the grace of someone who knew this was not her circus.
But then—
"YOU THERE!"
A booming voice halted her in her tracks.
A man in flashy robes approached, dragging a staff taller than her. His beard was pointy, his eyebrows were dramatic, and he clearly had the energy of someone who'd failed drama school but picked up pyromancy instead.
Selene blinked. "Me?"
"Yes, you. You're unfamiliar. State your guild, spell class, and artifact registration."
"…Uh."
Ding! [Social Situation Detected: Panic Incoming]
"I'm… not from around here?" she tried.
The mage narrowed his eyes. "I sensed foreign magic on you. Reveal your sigil, or I shall bind you!"
Selene took one step back, hands raised. "Look, I don't even have a sigil. Or magic. Or—"
He pointed his staff.
[Warning: Incoming Spell — Binding Root ⟶ Status: Immobilization]
"Hey, hey, hey! That escalated fast!"
[Suggested Action: RUN]
"Excellent suggestion."
She turned and bolted. Her earbuds flew out. The system pinged rapidly in her head.
[Passive Skill Activated: Flight Over Fight +2 Agility]
[Obstacle Detected: Uneven Terrain]
[Incoming Purchase Suggestion: Running Shoes – 6 coins]
"No budget! Shut up and let me scream in peace!"
She ducked behind a stable and caught her breath. Her hoodie was singed. Her legs were burning. Her ego—tattered.
Ding! [Achievement Unlocked: First Hostile Encounter]
Reward: 1 Coin + Instant Ice Pack (applied to calves)
The ice pack dropped from the air onto her legs.
"Ow—wait… okay, I needed that."
From a nearby stall, a younger mage peeked out, eyes wide.
"You're not from around here, are you?" he whispered.
Selene looked up warily. "What gave it away? My hoodie or the way your grandpa tried to roast me like a marshmallow?"
The boy laughed and held out a hand. "Come on. Before Master Karven realizes you looped back. I'll explain later."
She stared at his hand, then sighed.
"…Sure. But if this turns into some weird magical girl initiation, I'm out."
Ding! [New Character Registered: Lio – Support Mage | Level 7]